Somerset Pork with Cream and Apples

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large, heavy oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Fry pork chops on both sides until golden. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish with a lid, and sprinkle with thyme.

Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Fry onion and garlic until tender, then transfer to the casserole dish. Fry apple rings in the skillet for a few seconds on each side to give them color, then remove to the casserole dish. Sprinkle with sugar.

Discard any excess fat from the skillet. Pour cider into the skillet and stir to remove any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer, then pour over pork chops and apples in the dish. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover the skillet and bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, 30 to 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

Transfer pork chops and apples to a serving platter. Stir cream into juices in the skillet, then spoon over pork chops.